Esther Curtis, who is now a student at Gloucestershire University captained this young team, who played and conducted theselves admirably. Sarah Thomas and Annabel Sidwell were brought in at the very last minute when three players dropped out through injury and other commitments. Both pupils from Stroud High School and coached by Lorraine at Painswick TC played well in their first senior County Cup and won vital single matches, Sarah is still only 14 years old.
Star players Vicky Rees and Charlotte Eley (both juniors) along with captain Esther brought home most of the points. Vicky as number one won all of her singles matches. Near veterans, Jo and Nikki Rivers travelled from London to play on 2 days and helped with singles and doubles results.
The team was determined and very professional and Esther has the respect of her team and the makings of a fine captain. In beating the weakest county Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire stays established in division 5 but defeats to Suffolk and Staffordshire were no walk over. In spite of a train journey which brought us half way round England to avoid engineering works and arrive home on Sunday evening I very much enjoyed the three days and look forward to a positive future with this young team. My lasting memory will be us all sat on the floor in the passage way of the train home (there were no seats) while the girls kept a toddler amused with Christmas carols and nursery rhymes !!
Chris Rivers.